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01 February 2017

Looking For Heroes In The Library | IWSG

The Insecure Writer's Support Group
(IWSG) is a place to share and encourage, where writers can express
their doubts and concerns without appearing foolish or weak. It's a
great place to mingle with like minded people each month during IWSG
day.

Every month there's an optional question which may prompt folks to
share advice, insights, a personal experience or story. Some folks
answer the question in their IWSG blog post or let it inspire them if
they're struggling with what to say.

This month's question prompt is:

"How has being a writer changed your experience as a reader?"

Check out how people have answered this month's question, as well as the
other insecurities and writing topics they may have shared by
visiting the IWSG sign-up list here.

Before we get to how I answered the question, I wanted to share our new website for>>Hero Lost: Mysteries of Death and Life<<, the IWSG anthology in whichmy short story, The Silvering, will be published in. You can find it here. Pop by, check it out and follow along. We'll be adding new content to it in the run up to publication on May 2nd and afterwards.

****

I was relaxing in the cockpit of our sailboat one afternoon, reading a book on my Kindle and sipping on some iced tea, when I heard a loud thunk. I turned and saw a man wearing a blue spandex outfit standing on the deck. To be honest, it was a pretty unflattering outfit. Not that spandex really looks good on anyone, but a middle-aged man with a beer belly, now that's really not a good look.

He spun dramatically with his red cape swirling around him. Did I forget to mention he was wearing a cape? Yep, there was a cape. He also had the letter "H" emblazoned across his chest in silver sequins.

You have to give him points. He exuded confidence. In fact, I think his outfit gave him confidence. Perhaps I should rethink this whole spandex-cape-sequin thing. Maybe if I wore something like that I'd be more comfortable with public speaking.

"Local community hero. Hmm...I didn't know we had one of those," I said. "What exactly do you do? Use your super powers to rescue kittens from trees? Help little old ladies across the street? Bring chocolate chip cookies to those in need?"

"Uh, no. I don't do any of those kind of things," he stammered. "I help people when they're struggling with questions. Like what the population of Ray, North Dakota is and what's written on Carl Jung's tombstone."

"So, you're basically a reference librarian then?"

His shoulders slumped as he wrapped his cape around him with a sigh. "I guess."

"Not that there's anything wrong with reference librarians," I quickly added. "The world needs librarians. Especially those that are such snappy dressers, like you."

"Really? You think I'm a snappy dresser?" He smiled. "Maybe you have a question I can help you with?"

I put my sunglasses on. The sun was bouncing off of his sequins and blinding me. "Sure, I could use your help. Here's my question - how has being a writer changed my experience as a reader?"

"Oh, that's easy peasy. I bet you read more carefully now and try to dissect how different writers structure their stories."

As he started to pace the deck animatedly, I noticed that he was wearing blue, spandex booties. Who knew you could get shoes made out of spandex?

While I was thinking about getting cowboy boots made out of spandex and sequins, he sat down next to me. "I bet you even look at how different writers explore the same theme."

"You're right!" I said. "How did you know that? That's what I was just doing. Reading a copy of the Hero Lost anthology on my Kindle to see how my co-authors explored the theme of lost heroes. Maybe you do have super powers after all."

"Well, I don't know about super powers, but I do know a thing or two about writers and readers, given my line of work as a superhero reference librarian." He peered over my shoulder at my Kindle. "That sounds like a great book."

"It's right up your alley. Maybe you should make sure the local library orders a copy."

"I'll be happy to do that ma'am." He pointed towards the horizon. "Now, I must be off. There are other people out there in desperate need of information."

"It was nice to meet you, Hugo. Thanks for the help." I watched him walk across the parking lot and get into a beat-up old minivan. I guess folks don't go into the superhero business for the money. I shouted after him, "Come back soon! Next time, I'll have some questions about chocolate chip cookies for you."

What questions would you ask your local superhero reference librarian? What makes someone a shero? Have you ever worn spandex?

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Hehe, such a fun post! Quite a cast of characters visits you on your boat. I think I'm a better reader for being a writer but I do tend to get lost in the mechanics and structure of a story instead of just allowing myself to read for the sake of reading. Being a reference librarian would be my dream job! But I ain't wearing spandex for anyone 😜. Great post!

That was hysterical. I was wondering for a second if he was your husband. LOL. Probably should mention it wasn't for his sake. I belong to the La Cruz writers group and most of them live on sailboats. I'll be sure to steer them in your direction.

It took a while before I could stop laughing at the thought of my hubby in a spandex superhero outfit :-) Thanks for thinking of me with your La Cruz writers group. How cool that most of them live on boats.

I am pretty sure I would be terrified of Hugo but I do like his answers. I love my local reference librarians because they invite me to do events. Picturing them in spandex is not a pleasant thought. Have I worn it? Maybe in the 80's lol

I thought Hero Lost was not going to be published until May? How did you get a hold of it already? The perks of a winner? :-) It looks like many writers have a similar answer to this month's question! Sometimes I wish I could go back to enjoying just reading a good book, instead of analyzing it. :-)

A superhero reference librarian sounds useful, but only if he brings those cookies! This did make me think of this TV movie I watched a few years ago called The Librarian, he was the Indiana Jones of the library, lol :)

I anticipate story time in your IWSG posts all month! I'm never disappointed. Though, there was a moment I wasn't sure cookies were going to make an appearance. This is why one should always read to the end. Also, did you know I was once a reference librarian? I may have worn spandex once as well.

Are you ever able to read without dissecting the writing, the themes, approach? Maybe I'm always doing that these days and just think I'm reading for pure pleasure.

Oh no, so much pressure now, Ryan, to produce something entertaining each month :-) I guess I'm going to have to work cookies into next month's post. Maybe something about the awesome ones that Aldi sells.

I love your stories! YOu always have a different take on the question of the month. Your "hero" is right on target about how we look at how different writers explore the same topic. I hadn't thought of that for my post, but I guess I do that unconsciously.

congrats on being in the anthology, that's a BIG deal. Admitting, that I wore spandex, and a cape for Halloween, only a couple of years ago. (It makes a great costume, comfortable to move in and not too awkward or expensive ;) )

Okay, I'm going to assume this is Jaye commenting, in which case I bet you looked awesome in spandex, especially if you were sporting your blue hair at the time. If this is Dan, then I'm sure you looked great too :-)

Wow Ellen! Dazzling post. Hmmm...I think I would ask the library superhero if I could have him electronicallySubmit a best read book once a month to my kindle....spandex? Yes. I actually taught aerobics for 15 years and yoga too. When I took my training course they required lots of spandex so the class could see the way a body moves. It was humbling but I got over my fear of standing in front of crowds...lol

Well of course I have to super-endorse this post being a librarian and all that. I always knew Librarians were superheroes and boos their superpower. I'm just sad that our current regime doesn't seem to agree with me.

It's a well known fact that Librarians run on gin and cake, though they might know a bit about chocolate chip cookies too.

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